A full stomach can put extra pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which will increase the chance that some of this food will reflux into the esophagus. Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.Stay away from foods such as citrus fruits, chocolate, peppermint, spearmint, tomatoes or tomato-based products, raw onions and garlic.

Avoid Fatty or Acidic Foods

Certain foods regularly cause discomfort and worsen symptoms in people who have heartburn. Common culprits include oranges, grapefruit, onions, tomatoes and tomato-based sauces, and fried or high-fat foods. (Dietary fat can slow down digestion) Red wine and chocolate also are common causes for heartburn.

Eat Early

Don't eat within two to three hours before bedtime. Lying down with a full stomach can cause stomach contents to press harder against the LES, increasing the chances of refluxed food.

Lose weight

Obesity increases abdominal pressure, which can then push stomach contents up into the esophagus.

Take a pillow

Lying down flat presses the stomach's contents against the LES. With the head higher than the stomach, gravity helps reduce this pressure. You can elevate your head in a couple of ways. You can place bricks, blocks or anything that's sturdy securely under the legs at the head of your bed. You can also use an extra pillow, or a wedge-shaped pillow, to elevate your head.

No to Tight Belts

Don't wear belts or clothes that are tight fitting around the waist. Clothing that fits tightly around the abdomen will squeeze the stomach, forcing food up against the LES, and cause food to reflux into the exophagus. Clothing that can cause problems include tight-fitting belts and slenderizing undergarments.

Kick the Butt

The chemicals in cigarette smoke weaken the LES as they pass from the lungs into the blood.

Chuck the Peg

Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. It also increases the production of stomach acid. If you want to consume alcohol, follow these tips: Dilute alcoholic beverages with water or club soda, drink moderate amounts of alcoholic beverages, drink white wine instead of red, choose light beer or wine whenever you can.

Avoid foods and beverages that can trigger reflux of stomach contents.

Some foods and beverages increase the risk of reflux by relaxing the LES. These include alcohol; beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea and cola drinks; carbonated beverages; citrus fruits and juices; tomatoes and tomato sauces; chocolate; spicy and fatty foods.

Cut back on drinking coffee; citrus juices; and caffeinated, carbonated and alcoholic beverages. Beer and caffeinated beverages—such as coffee, tea and cola—make stomach acids even more irritating if they make their way up the esophagus.

A full stomach can put extra pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which will increase the chance that some of this food will reflux into the esophagus. Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.Stay away from foods such as citrus fruits, chocolate, peppermint, spearmint, tomatoes or tomato-based products, raw onions and garlic.